Centenary quilt display at Ham House

To coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week (Monday 15 May to Sunday 21 May), the  Cassel Hospital Centenary quilt will be displayed at Ham House and Garden, a nearby National Trust property in Richmond.

The quilt  consists of exactly 100 ‘diamonds’, produced by patients, carers and staff past and present, and aims to reflect the hospital’s fascinating history.

The idea to create a centenary quilt came naturally to Hannah Cadogan, a former patient who also trained as an embroiderer at the Royal School of Needlework.

Since leaving the hospital, where she  received treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD), Hannah has gone on to achieve a great many things.

She trained as an adult nurse specialising in palliative care, and became one of the first nurse lecturers with lived experience of a serious mental illness to teach at a UK university, The University of Roehampton.

Over the course of Mental Health Awareness Week, members of the public will be able to visit the stunning 17th century property and speak to Hannah about the quilt and the Cassel Hospital.

Hannah said: “The Cassel Hospital played a hugely important role in my recovery and has helped transform the lives of many others with BPD, so it’s a privilege to take part in this project. Over the years the Cassel Hospital has moved across two cities, helping shell shocked victims of war, and playing a pioneering role in the development of psychosocial nursing. I’m looking forward to showing members of the public the amazing quilt which we’ve been tirelessly working on. If you’re interested in local history and unearthing a good story, this exhibition is for you.”

Members of The Cassel Hospital Charitable Trust will also be present from 12pm to 4pm to discuss the historic hospital.

Maureen Miller, Vice Chair of the Cassel Hospital Charitable Trust said: “We’re pleased to finally be celebrating 100 years since this extraordinary hospital was founded after plans had to be temporarily paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This exhibition is not only a great opportunity to see a piece of history, but also learn more about what the hospital does and how it helps support patients with a diagnosis of personality disorder and complex trauma.

“We would like to thank the National Trust and the team at Ham House and Garden, for helping us to showcase the Cassel Centenary and the quilt to the local community.”